Methods of treatment using exendin peptides or GLP-1 peptides

ABSTRACT

Methods for increasing urine flow are disclosed, comprising administration of an effective amount of GLP-1, an exendin, or an exendin or GLP-1 agonist. Methods for increasing urinary sodium excretion and decreasing urinary potassium concentration are also disclosed. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders associated with toxic hypervolemia, such as renal failure, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, pulmonary edema, and hypertension. The present invention also relates to methods for inducing an inotropic response comprising administration of an effective amount of GLP-1, an exendin, or an exendin or GLP-1 agonist. These methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders that can be alleviated by an increase in cardiac contractility such as congestive heart failure. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/247,141 filed Oct. 7, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,928,065, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/656,093 filed Sep. 5, 2003, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,442,680, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/622,105 filed Sep. 22, 2000, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,703,359, which is a §371 of PCT/US99/02554 filed Feb. 5, 1999, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/075,122 filed Feb. 13, 1998. All applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for increasing urine flow comprising administration of an effective amount of glucagon-like peptide-1 [7-36] amide (abbreviated “GLP-[7-36]NH₂” or simply “GLP-1”), an exendin, or an exendin or GLP-1 agonist. Methods for increasing urinary sodium excretion and decreasing urinary potassium concentration are also disclosed. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders associated with toxic hypervolemia, such as renal failure, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, pulmonary edema, and hypertension. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

The present invention also relates to methods for inducing an inotropic response comprising administration of an effective amount of an exendin, GLP-1, or an exendin or GLP-1 agonist. These methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders that can be alleviated by an increase in cardiac contractility, such as congestive heart failure.

The following description summarizes information relevant to the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 [7-36] amide (also referred to as GLP-1 [7-36]NH₂ or GLP-1) is a product of the proglucagon gene. It is secreted into plasma mainly from the gut and produces a variety of biological effects related to pancreatic and gastrointestinal function. The parent peptide, proglucagon (PG), has numerous cleavage sites that produce other peptide products dependent on the tissue of origin including glucagon (PG[32-62]) and GLP-1[7-36]NH₂ (PG[72-107]) in the pancreas, and GLP-1[7-37] (PG[78-108]) and GLP-1[7-36]NH₂ (PG [78-107]) in the L cells of the intestine where GLP-1[7-36]NH₂ (78-107 PG) is the major product.

GLP-1[7-36]NH₂, also known as proglucagon [78-107], or commonly, just “GLP-1,” as used herein, has an insulinotropic effect, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; GLP-1 also inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells (Orskov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658-61, 1993; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). GLP-1 is reported to inhibit gastric emptying (Williams B, et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81 (1): 327-32, 1996; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665-73, 1993), and gastric acid secretion. (Schjoldager B T, et al., Dig Dis Sci 34 (5): 703-8, 1989; O'Halloran D J, et al., J Endocrinol 126 (1): 169-73, 1990; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665-73, 1993). A diuretic, antidypsogenic effect of intracerebroventricular administration of GLP-1 has been reported, however, this report claims that a peripheral, intraperitoneal injection of GLP-1 did not have this effect. (Tand-Christensen et al., Am. J. Physiol., 271:R848-56, 1996). GLP-1[7-37], which has an additional glycine residue at its carboxy terminus, also stimulates insulin secretion in humans (Orskov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658-61, 1993). A transmembrane G-protein adenylate-cyclase-coupled receptor believed to be responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 has been cloned from a β-cell line (Thorens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 89:8641-45, 1992).

Glucagon and glucagon-like peptides have been found to have different cardiovascular effects. Glucagon has been reported to have positive inotropic and chronotropic effects, produce a slight increase in arterial blood pressure in normal individuals, and affect regional blood circulation. GLP-1 has been found to produce a moderate increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while GLP-2 has no effect on those parameters. GLP-1, administered through the jugular vein, has been reported to induce an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. (Reviewed in Barragán, J. M., et al., Regul. Peptides, 67:63-68, 1996).

Exendins are peptides that are found in the venom of the Gila-monster, a lizard endogenous to Arizona, and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. Exendin-3 is present in the venom of Heloderma horridum, and exendin-4 is present in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (Eng, J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20259-62, 1990; Eng., J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:7402-05, 1992). The exendins have some sequence similarity to several members of the glucagon-like peptide family, with the highest homology, 53%, being to GLP-1 (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55, 1993).

Exendin-4 is a potent agonist at GLP-1 receptors on insulin-secreting βTC1 cells, at dispersed acinar cells from guinea pig pancreas, and at parietal cells from stomach; the peptide also stimulates somatostatin release and inhibits gastrin release in isolated stomachs (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:19650-55, 1993; Schepp, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 69:183-91, 1994; Eissele, et al., Life Sci., 55:629-34, 1994). Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were found to be GLP-1 agonists in stimulating cAMP production in, and amylase release from, pancreatic acinar cells (Malhotra, R., et al., Regulatory Peptides, 41:149-56, 1992; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:21432-37, 1992; Singh, et al., Regul. Pept. 53:47-59, 1994). The use of the insulinotropic activities of exendin-3 and exendin-4 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of hyperglycemia has been proposed (Eng, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286).

Truncated exendin peptides such as exendin[9-39], a carboxyamidated molecule, and fragments 3-39 through 9-39 have been reported to be potent and selective antagonists of GLP-1 (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650-55, 1993; Raufman, J. P., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Schepp, W., et al., Eur. J. Pharm. 269:183-91, 1994; Montrose-Rafizadeh, et al., Diabetes, 45(Suppl. 2):152A, 1996). Exendin[9-39] blocks endogenous GLP-1 in vivo, resulting in reduced insulin secretion. Wang, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 95:417-21, 1995; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133-38, 1996). The receptor apparently responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 has been cloned from rat pancreatic islet cells (Thorens, B., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641-8645, 1992). Exendins and exendin[9-39] bind to the cloned GLP-1 receptor (rat pancreatic β-cell GLP-1 receptor: Fehmann H C, et al., Peptides 15 (3): 453-6, 1994; human GLP-1 receptor: Thorens B, et al., Diabetes 42 (11): 1678-82, 1993). In cells transfected with the cloned GLP-1 receptor, exendin-4 is an agonist, i.e., it increases cAMP, while exendin[9-39] is an antagonist, i.e., it blocks the stimulatory actions of exendin-4 and GLP-1. Id.

Exendin[9-39] also acts as an antagonist of the full length exendins, inhibiting stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells by exendin-3 and exendin-4 (Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:2897-902, 1991; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:21432-37, 1992). Exendin[9-39] inhibits the stimulation of plasma insulin levels by exendin-4, and inhibits the somatostatin release-stimulating and gastrin release-inhibiting activities of exendin-4 and GLP-1 (Kolligs, F., et al., Diabetes, 44:16-19, 1995; Eissele, et al., Life Sciences, 55:629-34, 1994). Exendin-4, administered through the jugular vein, has been reported to induce an increase in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, and in heart rate (Barragán, et al., Regul. Pep. 67:63-68, 1996).

Exendins have recently been found to inhibit gastric emptying (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/694,954, filed Aug. 8, 1996, which enjoys common ownership with the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference). Exendin[9-39] has been used to investigate the physiological relevance of central GLP-1 in control of food intake (Turton, M. D. et al., Nature, 379:69-72, 1996). GLP-1 administered by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection inhibits food intake in rats. This satiety-inducing effect of GLP-1 delivered by intracerebroventricular injection is reported to be inhibited by ICV injection of exendin[9-39] (Turton, supra). However, it has been reported that GLP-1 does not inhibit food intake in mice when administered by peripheral injection (Turton, M. D., Nature 379:69-72, 1996; Bhavsar, S. P., Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 21:460 (188.8), 1995). Administration of exendins and exendin agonists has also recently been found to reduce food intake (U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/034,905, filed Jan. 7, 1997, which enjoys common ownership with the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference).

Agents that increase urine flow, or diuretics, are useful for treating conditions or disorders that are associated with toxic hypervolemic states. Such conditions or disorders include renal failure, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, pulmonary edema, and hypertension. Diuretics are also employed to treat conditions in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Further uses of diuretics include their use to reduce volume before some surgical procedures such as ocular surgery and neurosurgery.

One difficulty encountered with many diuretics such as thiazides, loop diuretics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and osmotic diuretics, is that although they may be employed to increase sodium excretion, they also result in an increase of urinary potassium loss. Examples of the effects of potassium loss include muscular weakness, paralysis (including the paralysis of respiratory muscles), electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac dysrhythmia, and cardiac arrest.

Another difficulty encountered with some diuretics is their slow rate of action, which is not conducive to their use in an emergency setting.

Thus, there is a need for a method of increasing urine flow that does not deplete potassium concentration in the patient and which has a rapid mode of action. Such methods, and compounds and compositions which are useful therefore, have been invented and are described and claimed herein.

Compounds that induce inotropic effects (e.g., increase of force of contraction of the heart) have been recognized as being useful for the treatment of, for example, congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure, which is one of the most common causes of death and disability in industrialized nations, has a mortality rate of about 50% at five years (Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th Ed. McGraw Hill, New York, pp. 809-838). Inotropic agents currently in clinical use include digitalis, sympathomimetic amines and amrinone (Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 12th Edition, 1991, McGraw Hill, New York, pp. 894-899).

Digotoxin, a cardiac glycoside, an ancient but effective therapy for cardiac failure, was initially derived from the foxglove leaf, Digitalis purpurea and Digitalis lanata. Cardiac glycosides are potent and highly selective inhibitors of the active transport of sodium and potassium ions across cell membranes (Goodman and Gilman, supra). Cardiac glycosides have been reported to increase the velocity of shortening of cardiac muscle, resulting in an improvement in ventricular function; this effect has been reported to be due to an increase in the availability during systole of cytosolic Ca²⁺ to interact with contractile proteins to increase the velocity and extent of sarcomere shortening (Goodman and Gilman, supra).

Digotoxin and related cardiac glycosides (e.g. digitoxin) have useful durations of action because their excretion, mainly via the kidneys, results in plasma t½ of 1.5-5 days. But the therapeutic index of these drugs is very low with mildly toxic:minimally-effective dose ratio being 2:1 and lethal:minimally-effective dose ratio being between 5:1 and 10:1. Urinary potassium loss due to use of thiazide and loop diuretics may seriously enhance the dangers of digitalis intoxication, including susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmia, and potassium-sparing diuretics are often necessary. Slow elimination of cardiac glycosides can prolong the period of jeopardy during digitalis intoxication, which has been reported to occur in 20% of hospital patients on these drugs. Absorption and onset of action for all cardiac glycosides except ouabain is somewhat prolonged, and this may be a disadvantage in emergency cardiac conditions.

Sympathomimetic amines, which generally include epinephrine, isoproterenol, dopamine and dobutamine, can be useful in an acute setting to stimulate myocardial contractility, but they usually require constant intravenous infusion and continuous intensive monitoring of the patient. They typically lose their effectiveness after ˜8 hours, apparently due to receptor downregulation.

Amrinone, a noncatecholamine, non-glycoside agent also requires continuous intravenous administration.

This description of available inotropic agents illustrates the need for, and desirability of, therapies that are (1) inotropic, with (2) rapid onset of action, with (3) prolonged duration of action (including a persistent effect, with absence of tachyphylaxis), with (4) low toxicity (a high ratio of toxic to therapeutic dose), with (5) rapid and profound diuretic effect, with (6) a sparing of urinary potassium loss, and with (7) a convenient (non-intravenous) route of administration. We have discovered that exendin and GLP-1 fulfill these criteria.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns the surprising discovery that exendins, GLP-1, and agonists of these compounds have rapid inotropic and diuretic effects. Although GLP-1 has been reported to not have a diuretic effect when administered peripherally, we have found, surprisingly, that GLP-1 does in fact have a diuretic effect after peripheral administration. This diuretic effect of exendins, GLP-1, and exendin and GLP-1 agonists, is accompanied by an increase in urinary sodium concentration. This diuretic effect is also accompanied by a decrease in urinary potassium concentration which is unanticipated as many diuretics have been found to cause a profound increase in urinary potassium concentration.

The present invention is directed to novel methods for increasing urine flow comprising the administration of an exendin, for example, exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO. 1: His Ser Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH₂], or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO. 2: His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser-NH₂], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which exendin exerts its action on increasing urine flow (exendin agonists). The present invention is also directed to novel methods for increasing urine flow comprising the administration of GLP-1 [SEQ ID NO. 3: His Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Val Ser Ser Tyr Leu Glu Gly Gln Ala Ala Lys Glu Phe Ile Ala Trp Leu Val Lys Gly Arg-NH₂], or other compounds which effectively bind to the receptor at which GLP-1 exerts its action on increasing urine flow (GLP-1 agonists).

In a first aspect, the invention features a method of increasing urine flow in an individual comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. In one preferred aspect, said exendin is exendin-3. More preferably, said exendin is exendin-4. By an “exendin agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of exendin on increasing urine flow, increasing sodium excretion, and/or decreasing urinary potassium concentration, (the potassium concentration in excreted urine) by binding to the receptor or receptors where exendin causes this effect. Certain novel exendin agonist compounds are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, filed Aug. 8, 1997, which was filed as PCT/98/16387, on Aug. 6, 1998 and nationalized as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/181,102, on Jul. 11, 2001 and enjoys common ownership with the present invention and is hereby incorporated by this reference. Certain other novel exendin agonist compounds are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/066,029 and 60/065,442, both filed Nov. 14, 1997, which were filed as PCT/US98/24210, on Nov. 13, 1998 and nationalized as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/554,531, on Aug. 8, 2000, and as PCT/US98/24273 on Nov. 13, 1998 and nationalized as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/554,533, on May 11, 2000, respectively, and enjoy common ownership with the present invention and are hereby incorporated by this reference. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/055,404 and 60/065,442.

In one preferred aspect the exendin or exendin agonist used in the methods of the present invention is exendin-4. In another preferred aspect, the exendin is exendin-3. In other preferred aspects, the exendin or exendin agonist is a compound of the formula (I) [SEQ ID NO. 4]: Xaa₁ Xaa₂ Xaa₃ Gly Xaa₅ Xaa₆ Xaa₇ Xaa₈ Xaa₉ Xaa₁₀ Xaa₁₁ Xaa₁₂ Xaa₁₃ Xaa₁₄ Xaa₁₅ Xaa₁₆ Xaa₁₇ Ala Xaa₁₉ Xaa₂₀ Xaa₂₁ Xaa₂₂ Xaa₂₃ Xaa₂₄ Xaa₂₅ Xaa₂₆ Xaa₂₇ Xaa₂₈-Z₁; wherein Xaa₁ is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa₂ is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa₃ is Asp or Glu; Xaa₅ is Ala or Thr; Xaa₆ is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa₇ is Thr or Ser; Xaa₈ is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa₉ is Asp or Glu; Xaa₁₀ is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa₁₁ is Ala or Ser; Xaa₁₂ is Ala or Lys; Xaa₁₃ is Ala or Gln; Xaa₁₄ is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa₁₅ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₆ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₇ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₉ is Ala or Val; Xaa₂₀ is Ala or Arg; Xaa₂₁ is Ala or Leu; Xaa₂₂ is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₃ is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa₂₄ is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa₂₅ is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₆ is Ala or Leu; Xaa₂₇ is Ala or Lys; Xaa₂₈ is Ala or Asn; Z₁ is —OH, —NH₂, Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇ Xaa₃₈-Z₂, or Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇ Xaa₃₈ Xaa₃₉-Z₂;

-   -   wherein Xaa₃₁, Xaa₃₆, Xaa₃₇ and Xaa₃₈ are independently selected         from the group consisting of Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp,         thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and         N-alkylalanine; Xaa₃₉ is Ser, Thr or Tyr; and Z₂ is —OH or —NH₂;         and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;     -   provided that no more than three of Xaa₃, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, Xaa₈,         Xaa₁₀, Xaa₁₁, Xaa₁₂, Xaa₁₃, Xaa₁₄, Xaa₁₅, Xaa₁₆, Xaa₁₇, Xaa₁₉,         Xaa₂₀, Xaa₂₁, Xaa₂₄, Xaa₂₅, Xaa₂₆, Xaa₂₇, and Xaa₂₈ are Ala; and         provided also that the compound is not exendin-3 [SEQ ID NO. 1]         or exendin-4 [SEQ ID NO. 2]. In other aspects of the invention,         the increase in urine flow is accompanied by an increase in         sodium excretion in said individual. In most preferred aspects,         the increase in urine flow does not increase urinary potassium         concentration in said individual.

In other embodiments of the invention, a method is provided for decreasing the concentration of potassium in the urine of an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preventing or alleviating a condition or disorder associated with toxic hypervolemia in an individual, comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.

By “condition or disorder associated with toxic hypervolemia” is meant any condition or disorder in a subject that is either caused by, complicated by, or aggravated by a relatively high extracellular volume. Such conditions or disorders include, but are not limited to, renal failure, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pulmonary edema, cirrhosis, and hypertension.

The present invention also provides a method of inducing rapid diuresis in an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. One preferred use of this method is in preparation of a patient for a surgical procedure where a reduction in extracellular volume is desired, such as in some ocular surgical procedures or in some neurosurgical procedures. Thus, the present invention provides a method of preparing an individual for a surgical procedure comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist. Preferably, said exendin or exendin agonist is administered to said individual before said surgical procedure.

In other preferred aspects, a method is provided for increasing renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate in an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.

In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for treating pre-eclampsia or eclampsia of pregnancy in an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.

The preferred mode of administration of said exendin or exendin agonist is by peripheral (subcutaneous or intravenous) administration. Preferably, said exendin or exendin agonist is administered subcutaneously. Preferably, about 1 μg-30 μg to about 10-20 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per dose. More preferably, about 30 μg to about 10 mg, or about 300 μg to about 5mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per dose. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 1 mg of the exendin or exendin agonist is administered per dose.

In other preferred aspects, said peripheral administration is selected from the group consisting of buccal, nasal, pulmonary, oral, intraocular, rectal, and transdermal administration.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders associated with hypervolemia comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In yet other aspects, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in increasing urine flow in an individual comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In further aspects, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating pre-eclampsia or eclampsia of pregnancy in an individual comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or exendin agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise exendin-3. More preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise exendin-4.

Preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise an exendin agonist of formula I [SEQ ID NO. 4].

The present invention is also directed to novel methods for increasing urine flow comprising the administration of GLP-1.

In one embodiment the invention features a method of increasing urine flow in an individual comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist. By “GLP-1 agonist” is meant a compound that mimics the effects of GLP-1 on increasing urine flow, increasing sodium excretion, and/or decreasing urinary potassium concentration, by binding to the receptor or receptors where GLP-1 causes this effect. Certain GLP-1 agonists are described in Chen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,549, issued Apr. 30, 1996, entitled “Glucagon-Like Insulinotropic Peptide Analogs, Compositions and Methods of Use.” Other GLP-1 agonists are described in Johnson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,008, issued Nov. 12, 1996, entitled, “Biologically Active Fragments of Glucagon-Like Insulinotropic Peptide.” Still other GLP-1 agonists are described in Buckley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,618, issued Aug. 13, 1996, entitled “GLP-1 Analogs Useful for Diabetes Treatment.” All three referenced U.S. patents are incorporated herein by this reference.

In certain aspects, the GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist used in the methods of the present invention can be GLP-1(7-34) and GLP-1(7-35), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,666, herein incorporated by reference, GLP-1(7-37) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,712, herein incorporated by reference.

In other aspects, the GLP-1 agonists are variants or analogs of GLP-1 known in the art, such as, for example, GLP-1(7-36), Gln⁹-GLP-1(7-37), D-Gln⁹-GLP-1(7-37), acetyl-Lys⁹-GLP-1(7-37), Thr¹⁶-Lys¹⁸-GLP-1(7-37), and Lys¹⁸-GLP-1(7-37). Derivatives of GLP-1 are also contemplated in the present invention and include, for example, acid addition salts, carboxylate salts, lower alkyl esters, and amides (see, e.g., WO91/11457). Generally, the various forms of GLP-1 are known to stimulate insulin secretion (insulinotropic action) and cAMP formation (see, e.g., Mojsov, S., Int. J. Peptide Protein Research, 40:333-343 (1992)).

In still other aspects, the present invention contemplates GLP-1 agonists of the general formula:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 4-imidazopropionyl (des-amino-histidyl), 4-imidazoacetyl, or 4-imidazo-α, adimethyl-acetyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of C₆-C₁₀unbranched acyl, or is absent; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of Gly-OH or NH₂; and Xaa₄₀ is Lys or Arg.

In one embodiment, the GLP-1 agonists are naturally-occurring GLP-1(7-37) that arise from adding various R groups via a peptide bond to the amino terminus of the peptide portion of Formula II (SEQ ID NO:66). Optionally, further compounds of the invention are made by acylating the epsilon amino group of the Lys34 residue and by making limited amino acid substitutions at position 26 or by altering the carboxy terminus.

It should be noted that for the above formula, the nomenclature scheme used is that which has been developed around processed forms of GLP-1. In this scheme, the amino terminus of the known GLP-1(7-37) OH has been assigned number 7 and the carboxy terminus number 37. Therefore, the first Ala residue of Formula II corresponds to residue 8 of GLP-1(7-37)OH. Likewise Xaa₄₀ in Formula II corresponds to residue 26 of GLP-1(7-37)OH and so forth.

In still other aspects, the present invention provides biologically-active GLP-1 fragments of formula III:

(SEQ ID NO: 67) R₄- Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys-Glu-Phe- Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Xaa₄₁-Gly-Arg -R₅ wherein R₄ is selected from the group consisting of:

a) H₂N; b) H₂N-Ser; c) H₂N-Val-Ser; d) H₂N-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 68) e) H₂N-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 69) f) H₂N-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 70) g) H₂N-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 71) h) H₂N-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 72) i) H₂N-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 73) j) H₂N-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; or (SEQ ID NO: 74) k) H₂N-Ala-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser;

-   -   Xaa₄₁ is selected from the group consisting of Lys or Arg; and     -   wherein R₅ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, OH,         Gly-NH₂, or Gly-OH.

In still other aspects, the invention provides modified forms of the GLP-1(7-34); (7-35); (7-36) or (7-37) human peptide or the C-terminal amidated forms thereof. The native peptides have the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:75):

7     10        15        20        25 H-A-E-G-T-F-T-S-D-V-S-S-Y-L-E-G-Q-A-A-K-E-F-   30                 37 I-A-W-L-V-K-(G)-(R)-(G) wherein (G), (R), and (G) are present or absent depending on the indicated chain length. The modified forms contain one or more alterations of the native structure and are of improved ability for therapeutic use. Either the modified forms have greater potency than glucagon to potentiate insulin secretion or enhanced stability in plasma or both. This potency and enhanced stability can be assessed as described below. The standard one letter abbreviation code for amino acids is used.

The analogs of the invention which show enhanced insulin stimulating properties have the foregoing sequence, or the C-terminal amide thereof, with at least one modification of SEQ ID NO:75, selected from the group consisting of:

(a) substitution of a neutral amino acid, arginine, or a D form of lysine for lysine at position 20 and/or 28 and/or a neutral amino acid, lysine, or a D form of arginine for arginine at position 30;

(b) a substitution of an oxidation-resistant amino acid for tryptophan at position 25;

(c) a substitution according to at least one of:

-   -   (i) Y for V at position 10;     -   (ii) K for S at position 12;     -   (iii) D for E at position 15;     -   (iv) S for G at position 16;     -   (v) R for Q at position 17;     -   (vi) R for A at position 18; and     -   (vii) Q for K at position 20;

(d) a substitution comprising at least one of:

-   -   (i) an alternative small neutral amino acid for A at position 2;     -   (ii) an alternative acidic amino acid or neutral amino acid for         E at position 3;     -   (iii) an alternative neutral amino acid for G at position 4; and     -   (iv) an alternative acidic amino acid for D at position 9; and

(e) substitution of an alternative neutral amino acid or the D or N-acylated or alkylated form of histidine for histidine at position 1.

With respect to modifications (a), (b), (d) and (e), the substituted amino acids may be in the D form, as indicated by a superscript †, e.g., C^(†). The amino acids substituted at position 7 can also be in the N-acylated or N-alkylated forms.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to peptides which show enhanced degradation resistance in plasma as compared to GLP-1(7-37) wherein this enhanced resistance to degradation is defined as set forth below. In these analogs, any of the above-mentioned truncated forms of GLP-1(7-34) to GLP-1(7-37) or their C-terminal amidated forms is modified by (a) substitution of a D-neutral or D-acidic amino acid for H at position 7, or (b) substitution of a D-amino acid for A at position 8, or (c) both, or (d) substitution of an N-acylated or N-alkylated form of any naturally occurring amino acid for H at position 7.

Thus, analogs of the invention which are resistant to degradation include (N-acyl (1-6C) AA)⁷ GLP-1(7-37) and (N-alkyl (1-6C) AA)⁷ GLP-1(7-37) wherein when AA is a lysyl residue, one or both nitrogens may be alkylated or acylated. AA symbolizes any amino acid consistent with retention of insulin stimulating activity.

For substitutions of D-amino acids in the 7 and 8 positions of SEQ ID NO:75, the D residue of any acidic or neutral amino acid can be used at position 7 and of any amino acid at position 8, again consistent with insulin stimulating activity. Either or both of position 7 and 8 can be substituted by a D-amino acid; the D-amino acid at position 7 can also be acylated or alkylated as set forth above. These modified forms are applicable not only to GLP-1(7-37) but also the shorter truncated analogs as set forth above.

In other aspects of the invention, the increase in urine flow is accompanied by an increase in sodium excretion in said individual. In most preferred aspects, the increase in urine flow does not increase urinary potassium concentration in said individual.

In other embodiments of the invention, a method is provided for decreasing the concentration of potassium in the urine of an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preventing or alleviating a condition or disorder associated with toxic hypervolemia in an individual, comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist.

The present invention also provides a method of inducing rapid diuresis in an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist. One preferred use of this method is in preparation of a patient for surgical procedures where a reduction in extracellular volume is desired, such as in some ocular surgical procedures and some neurosurgical procedures. Thus, the present invention provides a method of preparing an individual for a surgical procedure comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist. Preferably, said GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist is administered to said individual before said surgical procedure.

In other preferred aspects, a method is provided for increasing renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate in an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist.

In yet other preferred aspects, a method is provided for treating pre-eclampsia or eclampsia of pregnancy in an individual comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist.

The preferred mode of administration of said GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist is by peripheral administration. Preferably, said GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist is administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Preferably, about 1 μg-30 μg to about 10-20 mg of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist is administered per dose. More preferably, about 30 μg to about 10 mg, or about 300 μg to about 5mg of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist is administered per dose. Most preferably, about 30 μg to about 1 mg of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonist is administered per dose.

In other preferred aspects, said peripheral administration is selected from the group consisting of buccal, nasal, pulmonary, oral, intraocular, rectal, and transdermal administration.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of conditions or disorders associated with hypervolemia comprising a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In yet other aspects, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in increasing urine flow in an individual comprising a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In further aspects, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating pre-eclampsia or eclampsia of pregnancy in an individual comprising a therapeutically effective amount of GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The present invention also features methods for inducing an inotropic effect in an individual comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, or GLP 1 or a GLP 1 agonist. Thus, in one aspect, is provided a method for increasing cardiac contractility in an individual comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin, an exendin agonist, GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist.

In a related aspect, a method is provided for treating a condition or disorder that can be alleviated by increasing cardiac contractility in an individual comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin, an exendin agonist, GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist. Such conditions or disorders include congestive heart failure, pulmonary and systemic edema, and renal failure. Preferably, said condition or disorder is congestive heart failure.

Preferably, said exendin is to be used in those methods exendin-3. More preferably, said exendin is exendin-4.

Preferably, the exendin agonist to be used in those methods is an exendin agonist of formula (I) [SEQ ID NO. 4].

In preferred aspects, said exendin, exendin agonist, GLP-1, or a GLP-1 agonist to be used in these methods is administered peripherally using the doses described herein.

Preferably, said peripheral administration is selected from the group consisting of buccal, nasal, pulmonary, oral, intraocular, rectal, and transdermal administration.

In another preferred aspect, said exendin, exendin agonist, GLP-1, or a GLP-1 agonist is administered subcutaneously or intravenously.

Also provided in the present invention are pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of a condition or disorder that can be alleviated by increasing cardial contractility comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin, an exendin agonist, GLP-1 or a GLP-1 agonist in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, said exendin is exendin-3. More preferably, said exendin is exendin-4. Preferably, these pharmaceutical compositions comprise an exendin agonist of formula I [SEQ ID NO. 4].

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of mean arterial pressure (MAP) to GLP-1. (A) MAP is presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to drug administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of GLP-1 of MAP. The response plotted is the incremental area under the curve from 0 to 2 hours after the bolus dose.

FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of the inotropic response to GLP-1. The rate of change of blood pressure (dP/dt) is indicative of cardiac contractility, which increased in response to a subcutaneous injection of GLP-1 given to conscious rats.

FIG. 3(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of urine flow to intravenous bolus doses of GLP-1. (A) Urine flow was measured at 15 minute intervals and presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to drug administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of GLP-1 on urine flow. The response plotted is the percent change in flow from 0 to 15 minutes after the bolus dose relative to the flow over the previous 30 minutes.

FIG. 4(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of sodium excretion to intravenous bolus doses of GLP-1. (A) Sodium excretion was measured at 15 minute intervals and presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to drug administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of GLP-1 on sodium excretion. The response plotted is the percent change in sodium excretion from 0 to 15 minutes after the bolus dose relative to excretion over the previous 30 minutes.

FIG. 5(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of urinary potassium concentration to intravenous bolus doses of GLP-1. (A) Urinary potassium concentration was measured at 15 minute intervals and presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to drug administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of GLP-1 on urinary potassium concentration. The response plotted is the percent change in urinary potassium concentration from 0 to 15 minutes after the bolus dose relative to the urinary potassium concentration over the previous 30 minutes.

FIG. 6(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of mean arterial pressure (MAP) to exendin 4. (A) MAP is presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to drug administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of exendin on MAP. The response plotted is the incremental area under the curve from 0 to 2 hours after the bolus dose.

FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the inotropic response to exendin-4. The rate of change of blood pressure (dP/dt) is indicative of cardiac contractility, which increased in response to a subcutaneous injection of exendin-4 given to conscious rats.

FIG. 8(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of urine flow to intravenous bolus doses of exendin-4. (A) Urine flow was measured at 15 minute intervals; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of exendin-4 on urine flow. The response plotted is urine flow from 0 to 15 minutes after the bolus dose.

FIG. 9(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of sodium excretion to intravenous bolus doses of exendin-4. (A) Sodium excretion was measured at 15 minute intervals and presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to drug administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of exendin-4 on sodium excretion. The response plotted is the percent change in sodium excretion from 0 to 15 minutes after the bolus dose relative to excretion over the previous 30 minutes.

FIG. 10(A-B) is a graphical depiction of the response of urinary potassium concentration to intravenous bolus doses of exendin-4. (A) Urinary potassium concentration was measured at 15 minute intervals and presented as % of predose values measured over the 30 minutes prior to exendin-4 administration; (B) Dose-response curve for effects of exendin on urinary potassium concentration. The response plotted is the incremental area under the curve from 0 to 2 hours after the bolus dose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exendins, GLP-1, and analogs and agonists thereof of this invention are useful in view of their pharmacological properties. Activity as exendin or GLP-1 analogs or agonists can be indicated by activity in the assays described below. Effects of exendins or GLP-1 agonists thereof on reducing food intake can be identified, evaluated, or screened for, using the methods described in the Examples below, or other methods known in the art for determining effects on urine flow, or sodium or potassium excretion.

Although exendin-4 was found to have a hypertensive effect, when administered in conjunction with an agent that regulated blood pressure, the diuretic effect was still evident, indicating a diuretic effect of exendin-4 that was not entirely attributable to its hypertensive effect.

Exendin agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/055,404; 60/066,029; and 60/065,442. Preferred exendin agonist compounds include peptide compounds of the formula (I) [SEQ ID NO. 4]:

Xaa₁ Xaa₂ Xaa₃ Gly Xaa₅ Xaa₆ Xaa₇ Xaa₈ Xaa₉ Xaa₁₀ Xaa₁₁ Xaa₁₂ Xaa₁₃ Xaa₁₄ Xaa₁₅ Xaa₁₆ Xaa₁₇ Ala Xaa₁₉ Xaa₂₀ Xaa₂₁ Xaa₂₂ Xaa₂₃ Xaa₂₄ Xaa₂₅ Xaa₂₆ Xaa₂₇ Xaa₂₈-Z₁; wherein Xaa₁ is His, Arg or Tyr; Xaa₂ is Ser, Gly, Ala or Thr; Xaa₃ is Asp or Glu; Xaa₅ is Ala or Thr; Xaa₆ is Ala, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa₇ is Thr or Ser; Xaa₈ is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa₉ is Asp or Glu; Xaa₁₀ is Ala, Leu, Ile, Val, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa₁₁ is Ala or Ser; Xaa₁₂ is Ala or Lys; Xaa₁₃ is Ala or Gln; Xaa₁₄ is Ala, Leu, Ile, pentylglycine, Val or Met; Xaa₁₅ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₆ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₇ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₉ is Ala or Val; Xaa₂₀ is Ala or Arg; Xaa₂₁ is Ala or Leu; Xaa₂₂ is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₃ is Ile, Val, Leu, pentylglycine, tert-butylglycine or Met; Xaa₂₄ is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa₂₅ is Ala, Trp, Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₆ is Ala or Leu; Xaa₂₇ is Ala or Lys; Xaa₂₈ is Ala or Asn; Z₁ is —OH, —NH₂, Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇ Xaa₃₈-Z₂, or Gly Gly Xaa31 Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇ Xaa₃₈ Xaa₃₉-Z₂;

-   -   wherein Xaa₃₁, Xaa₃₆, Xaa₃₇ and Xaa₃₈ are independently selected         from the group consisting of Pro, homoproline, 3Hyp, 4Hyp,         thioproline, N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and         N-alkylalanine; Xaa₃₉ is Ser, Thr or Tyr; and     -   Z₂ is —OH or —NH₂; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts         thereof;         provided that no more than three of Xaa₃, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, Xaa₈,         Xaa₁₀, Xaa₁₁, Xaa₁₂, Xaa₁₃, Xaa₁₄, Xaa₁₅, Xaa₁₆, Xaa₁₇, Xaa₁₉,         Xaa₂₀, Xaa₂₁, Xaa₂₄, Xaa₂₅, Xaa₂₆, Xaa₂₇, and Xaa₂₈ are Ala; and         provided also that the compound is not exendin-3 or exendin-4.

Preferred N-alkyl groups for N-alkylglycine, N-alkylpentylglycine and N-alkylalanine include lower alkyl groups preferably of 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, more preferably of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable compounds include those identified in Examples 4-64 [SEQ ID NOS. 5 to 65], as well as those compounds identified in Examples 65 and 66.

Preferred exendin agonist compounds include those wherein Xaa₁ is His or Tyr. More preferably Xaa₁ is His.

Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa₂ is Gly.

Preferred are those compounds wherein Xaa₁₄ is Leu, pentylglycine or Met.

Preferred compounds are those wherein Xaa₂₅ is Trp or Phe.

Preferred compounds are those where Xaa₆ is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₂ is Phe of naphthylalanine; and Xaa₂₃ is Ile or Val.

Preferred are compounds wherein Xaa₃₁, Xaa₃₆, Xaa₃₇ and Xaa₃₈ are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline and N-alkylalanine.

Preferably Z₁ is —NH₂.

Preferably Z₂ is —NH₂.

According to one aspect, preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein Xaa₁ is His or Tyr, more preferably His; Xaa₂ is Gly; Xaa₆ is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa₁₄ is Leu, pentylglycine or Met; Xaa₂₂ is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₃ is Ile or Val; Xaa₃₁, Xaa₃₆, Xaa₃₇ and Xaa₃₈ are independently selected from Pro, homoproline, thioproline or N-alkylalanine. More preferably Z₁ is —NH₂.

According to an especially preferred aspect, especially preferred compounds include those of formula (I) wherein: Xaa₁ is His or Arg; Xaa₂ is Gly or Ala; Xaa₃ is Asp or Glu; Xaa₅ is Ala or Thr; Xaa₆ is Ala, Phe or nephthylalaine; Xaa₇ is Thr or Ser; Xaa₈ is Ala, Ser or Thr; Xaa₉ is Asp or Glu; Xaa₁₀ is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa₁₁ is Ala or Ser; Xaa₁₂ is Ala or Lys; Xaa₁₃ is Ala or Gln; Xaa₁₄ is Ala, Leu or pentylglycine; Xaa₁₅ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₆ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₇ is Ala or Glu; Xaa₁₉ is Ala or Val; Xaa₂₀ is Ala or Arg; Xaa₂₁ is Ala or Leu; Xaa₂₂ is Phe or naphthylalanine; Xaa₂₃ is Ile, Val or tert-butylglycine; Xaa₂₄ is Ala, Glu or Asp; Xaa₂₅ is Ala, Trp or Phe; Xaa₂₆ is Ala or Leu; Xaa₂₇ is Ala or Lys; Xaa₂₈ is Ala or Asn; Z₁ is —OH, —NH₂, Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇-Z₂, Gly Gly Xaa₃₁ Ser Ser Gly Ala Xaa₃₆ Xaa₃₇ Xaa₃₈-Z₂; Xaa₃₁, Xaa₃₆, Xaa₃₇ and Xaa₃₈ being independently Pro homoproline, thioproline or N-methylalanine; and Z₂ being —OH or —NH₂; provided that no more than three of Xaa₃, Xaa₅, Xaa₆, Xaa₈, Xaa₁₀, Xaa₁₁, Xaa₁₂, Xaa₁₃, Xaa₁₄, Xaa₁₅, Xaa₁₆, Xaa₁₇, Xaa₁₉, Xaa₂₀, Xaa₂₁, Xaa₂₄, Xaa₂₅, Xaa₂₆, Xaa₂₇ and Xaa₂₈ are Ala. Especially preferred compounds include those having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS. 6-27.

According to an especially preferred aspect, provided are compounds where Xaa₁₄ is Leu, Ile, Val or pentylglycine, more preferably Leu or pentylglycine, and Xaa₂₅ is Phe, Tyr or naphthylalanine, more preferably Phe or naphthylalanine. These compounds will be less susceptive to oxidative degradation, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as during synthesis of the compound.

GLP-1 agonist compounds include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,549, issued Apr. 30, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,008, issued Nov. 12, 1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,618, issued Aug. 13, 1996, all of which are incorporated by reference. The GLP-1 agonist used in the methods of the present invention can be GLP-1(7-34) and GLP-1(7-35), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,666, herein incorporated by reference, GLP-1(7-37) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,712, herein incorporated by reference.

GLP-1 agonists can also be variants or analogs of GLP-1 known in the art, such as, for example, GLP-1(7-36), Gln⁹-GLP-1(7-37), D-Gln⁹-GLP-1(7-37), acetyl-Lys⁹-GLP-1(7-37), Thr¹⁶-Lys¹⁸-GLP-1(7-37), and Lys¹⁸-GLP-1(7-37). Derivatives of GLP-1 are also contemplated in the present invention and include, for example, acid addition salts, carboxylate salts, lower alkyl esters, and amides (see, e.g., WO91/11457). Generally, the various forms of GLP-1 are known to stimulate insulin secretion (insulinotropic action) and cAMP formation (see, e.g., Mojsov, S., Int. J. Peptide Protein Research, 40:333-343 (1992)).

GLP-1 agonists can be of the general formula:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 4-imidazopropionyl (des-amino-histidyl), 4-imidazoacetyl, or 4-imidazo-α, αdimethyl-acetyl; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of C₆-C₁₀unbranched acyl, or is absent; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of Gly-OH or NH₂; and Xaa₄₀ is Lys or Arg.

GLP-1 agonists can be naturally-occurring GLP-1(7-37) that arise from adding various R groups via a peptide bond to the amino terminus of the peptide portion of Formula II (SEQ ID NO:66). Optionally, further compounds of the invention are made by acylating the epsilon amino group of the Lys³⁴ residue and by making limited amino acid substitutions at position 26 or by altering the carboxy terminus.

It should be noted that for the above formula II, the nomenclature scheme used is that which has been developed around processed forms of GLP-1. In this scheme, the amino terminus of the known GLP-1(7-37) OH has been assigned number 7 and the carboxy terminus number 37. Therefore, the first Ala residue of Formula II corresponds to residue 8 of GLP-1(7-37)OH. Likewise Xaa₄₀ in Formula II corresponds to residue 26 of GLP-1(7-37)OH and so forth.

The present invention further contemplates biologically-active GLP-1 fragments of formula III:

(SEQ ID NO: 67) R₄ -Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys-Glu-Phe- Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Xaa₄₁-Gly-Arg -R₅

-   -   wherein R₄ is selected from the group consisting of:

a) H₂N; b) H₂N-Ser; c) H₂N-Val-Ser; d) H₂N-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 68) e) H₂N-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 69) f) H₂N-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 70) g) H₂N-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 71) h) H₂N-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 72) i) H₂N-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; (SEQ ID NO: 73) j) H₂N-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser; or (SEQ ID NO: 74) k) H₂N-Ala-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser;

-   -   Xaa₄₁ is selected from the group consisting of Lys or Arg; and     -   wherein R₅ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, OH,         Gly-NH₂, or Gly-OH.

The present invention also contemplates modified forms of the GLP-1(7-34); (7-35); (7-36) or (7-37) human peptide or the C-terminal amidated forms thereof. The native peptides have the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:75):

7     10        15        20        25 H-A-E-G-T-F-T-S-D-V-S-S-Y-L-E-G-Q-A-A-K-E-F-   30                 37 I-A-W-L-V-K-(G)-(R)-(G) wherein (G), (R), and (G) are present or absent depending on the indicated chain length. The modified forms contain one or more alterations of the native structure and are of improved ability for therapeutic use. Either the modified forms have greater potency than glucagon to potentiate insulin secretion or enhanced stability in plasma or both. This potency and enhanced stability can be assessed as described below. The standard one letter abbreviation code for amino acids is used.

The analogs of the invention which show enhanced insulin stimulating properties have the foregoing sequence, or the C-terminal amide thereof, with at least one modification of SEQ ID NO:75, selected from the group consisting of:

(a) substitution of a neutral amino acid, arginine, or a D form of lysine for lysine at position 20 and/or 28 and/or a neutral amino acid, lysine, or a D form of arginine for arginine at position 30;

(b) a substitution of an oxidation-resistant amino acid for tryptophan at position 25;

(c) a substitution according to at least one of:

-   -   (i) Y for V at position 10;     -   (ii) K for S at position 12;     -   (iii) D for E at position 15;     -   (iv) S for G at position 16;     -   (v) R for Q at position 17;     -   (vi) R for A at position 18; and     -   (vii) Q for K at position 20;

(d) a substitution comprising at least one of:

-   -   (i) an alternative small neutral amino acid for A at position 2;     -   (ii) an alternative acidic amino acid or neutral amino acid for         E at position 3;     -   (iii) an alternative neutral amino acid for G at position 4; and     -   (iv) an alternative acidic amino acid for D at position 9; and

(e) substitution of an alternative neutral amino acid or the D or N-acylated or alkylated form of histidine for histidine at position 1.

With respect to modifications (a), (b), (d) and (e), the substituted amino acids may be in the D form, as indicated by a superscript †, e.g., C^(†). The amino acids substituted at position 7 can also be in the N-acylated or N-alkylated forms.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to peptides which show enhanced degradation resistance in plasma as compared to GLP-1(7-37) wherein this enhanced resistance to degradation is defined as set forth below. In these analogs, any of the above-mentioned truncated forms of GLP-1(7-34) to GLP-1(7-37) or their C-terminal amidated forms is modified by (a) substitution of a D-neutral or D-acidic amino acid for H at position 7, or (b) substitution of a D-amino acid for A at position 8, or (c) both, or (d) substitution of an N-acylated or N-alkylated form of any naturally occurring amino acid for H at position 7.

Thus, GLP-1 agonists of the invention which are resistant to degradation include (N-acyl (1-6C) AA)⁷ GLP-1(7-37) and (N-alkyl (1-6C) AA)⁷ GLP-1(7-37) wherein when AA is a lysyl residue, one or both nitrogens may be alkylated or acylated. AA symbolizes any amino acid consistent with retention of insulin stimulating activity.

For substitutions of D-amino acids in the 7 and 8 positions of SEQ ID NO:76, the D residue of any acidic or neutral amino acid can be used at position 7 and of any amino acid at position 8, again consistent with insulin stimulating activity. Either or both of position 7 and 8 can be substituted by a D-amino acid; the D-amino acid at position 7 can also be acylated or alkylated as set forth above. These modified forms are applicable not only to GLP-1(7-37) but also the shorter truncated analogs as set forth above.

In accordance with the present invention and as used herein, the following terms are defined to have the following meanings, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

The term “amino acid” refers to natural amino acids, unnatural amino acids, and amino acid analogs, all in their D and L stereoisomers if their structure allow such stereoisomeric forms. Natural amino acids include alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), Lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), typtophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val). Unnatural amino acids include, but are not limited to azetidinecarboxylic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, 3-aminoadipic acid, beta-alanine, aminopropionic acid, 2-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic acid, 2-aminoheptanoic acid, 2-aminoisobutyric acid, 3-aminoisbutyric acid, 2-aminopimelic acid, tertiary-butylglycine, 2,4-diaminoisobutyric acid, desmosine, 2,2′-diaminopimelic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, N-ethylglycine, N-ethylasparagine, homoproline, hydroxylysine, allo-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxyproline, 4-hydroxyproline, isodesmosine, allo-isoleucine, N-methylalanine, N-methylglycine, N-methylisoleucine, N-methylpentylglycine, N-methylvaline, naphthalanine, norvaline, norleucine, ornithine, pentylglycine, pipecolic acid and thioproline. Amino acid analogs include the natural and unnatural amino acids which are chemically blocked, reversibly or irreversibly, or modified on their N-terminal amino group or their side-chain groups, as for example, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfone, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine, S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfoxide and S-(carboxymethyl)-cysteine sulfone.

The term “amino acid analog” refers to an amino acid wherein either the C-terminal carboxy group, the N-terminal amino group or side-chain functional group has been chemically codified to another functional group. For example, aspartic acid-(beta-methyl ester) is an amino acid analog of aspartic acid; N-ethylglycine is an amino acid analog of glycine; or alanine carboxamide is an amino acid analog of alanine.

The term “amino acid residue” refers to radicals having the structure: (1) —C(O)—R—NH—, wherein R typically is —CH(R′)—, wherein R′ is an amino acid side chain, typically H or a carbon containing substitutent; or (2)

wherein p is 1, 2 or 3 representing the azetidinecarboxylic acid, proline or pipecolic acid residues, respectively.

The term “lower” referred to herein in connection with organic radicals such as alkyl groups defines such groups with up to and including about 6, preferably up to and including 4 and advantageously one or two carbon atoms. Such groups may be straight chain or branched chain.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes salts of the compounds described herein derived from the combination of such compounds and an organic or inorganic acid. In practice the use of the salt form amounts to use of the base form. The compounds are useful in both free base and salt form.

In addition, the following abbreviations stand for the following: “ACN” or “CH₃CN” refers to acetonitrile. “Boc”, “tBoc” or “Tboc” refers to t-butoxy carbonyl. “DCC” refers to N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. “Fmoc” refers to fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl. “HBTU” refers to 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3,-tetramethyluronium hexaflurophosphate. “HOBt” refers to 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate. “homoP” or “hPro” refers to homoproline. “MeAla” or “Nme” refers to N-methylalanine. “naph” refers to naphthylalanine. “pG” or “pGly” refers to pentylglycine. “tBuG” refers to tertiary-butylglycine. “ThioP” or “tPro” refers to thioproline. “3Hyp” refers to 3-hydroxyproline. “4Hyp” refers to 4-hydroxyproline. “NAG” refers to N-alkylglycine. “NAPG” refers to N-alkylpentylglycine. “Norval” refers to norvaline. “Norleu” refers to norleucine.

Compounds such as the exendins and exendin agonists described herein may be prepared using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques and preferably an automated or semiautomated peptide synthesizer. Typically, using such techniques, an -N-carbamoyl protected amino acid and an amino acid attached to the growing peptide chain on a resin are coupled at room temperature in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone or methylene chloride in the presence of coupling agents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in the presence of a base such as diisopropylethylamine. The -N-carbamoyl protecting group is removed from the resulting peptide-resin using a reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or piperidine, and the coupling reaction repeated with the next desired N-protected amino acid to be added to the peptide chain. Suitable N-protecting groups are well known in the art, with t-butyloxycarbonyl (tBoc) and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) being preferred herein.

The solvents, amino acid derivatives and 4-methylbenzhydryl-amine resin used in the peptide synthesizer may be purchased from Applied Biosystems Inc. (Foster City, Calif.). The following side-chain protected amino acids may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc.: Boc-Arg(Mts), Fmoc-Arg(Pmc), Boc-Thr(Bzl), Fmoc-Thr(t-Bu), Boc-Ser(Bzl), Fmoc-Ser(t-Bu), Boc-Tyr(BrZ), Fmoc-Tyr(t-Bu), Boc-Lys(Cl-Z), Fmoc-Lys(Boc), Boc-Glu(Bzl), Fmoc-Glu(t-Bu), Fmoc-His(Trt), Fmoc-Asn(Trt), and Fmoc-Gln(Trt). Boc-His(BOM) may be purchased from Applied Biosystems, Inc. or Bachem Inc. (Torrance, Calif.). Anisole, dimethylsulfide, phenol, ethanedithiol, and thioanisole may be obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis.). Air Products and Chemicals (Allentown, Pa.) supplies HF. Ethyl ether, acetic acid and methanol may be purchased from Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.).

Solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out with an automatic peptide synthesizer (Model 430A, Applied Biosystems Inc., Foster City, Calif.) using the NMP/HOBt (Option 1) system and tBoc or Fmoc chemistry (see, Applied Biosystems User's Manual for the ABI 430A Peptide Synthesizer, Version 1.3B Jul. 1, 1988, section 6, pp. 49-70, Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, Calif.) with capping. Boc-peptide-resins may be cleaved with HF (−5° C. to 0° C., 1 hour). The peptide may be extracted from the resin with alternating water and acetic acid, and the filtrates lyophilized. The Fmoc-peptide resins may be cleaved according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc., 1990, pp. 6-12). Peptides may be also be assembled using an Advanced Chem Tech Synthesizer (Model MPS 350, Louisville, Ky.).

Peptides may be purified by RP-HPLC (preparative and analytical) using a Waters Delta Prep 3000 system. A C4, C8 or C18 preparative column (10μ, 2.2×25 cm; Vydac, Hesperia, Calif.) may be used to isolate peptides, and purity may be determined using a C4, C8 or C18 analytical column (5μ, 0.46×25 cm; Vydac). Solvents (A=0.1% TFA/water and B=0.1% TFA/CH₃CN) may be delivered to the analytical column at a flowrate of 1.0 ml/min and to the preparative column at 15 ml/min. Amino acid analyses may be performed on the Waters Pico Tag system and processed using the Maxima program. Peptides may be hydrolyzed by vapor-phase acid hydrolysis (115° C., 20-24 h). Hydrolysates may be derivatized and analyzed by standard methods (Cohen, et al., The Pico Tag Method: A Manual of Advanced Techniques for Amino Acid Analysis, pp. 11-52, Millipore Corporation, Milford, Mass. (1989)). Fast atom bombardment analysis may be carried out by M-Scan, Incorporated (West Chester, Pa.). Mass calibration may be performed using cesium iodide or cesium iodide/glycerol. Plasma desorption ionization analysis using time of flight detection may be carried out on an Applied Biosystems Bio-Ion 20 mass spectrometer. Electrospray mass spectroscopy may be carried out on a VG-Trio machine.

Peptide compounds useful in the invention may also be prepared using recombinant DNA techniques, using methods now known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor (1989). Non-peptide compounds useful in the present invention may be prepared by art-known methods. For example, phosphate-containing amino acids and peptides containing such amino acids, may be prepared using methods known in the art. See, e.g., Bartlett and Landen, Biorg. Chem. 14:356-377 (1986).

Exendin or GLP-1 agonist analogs or derivatives are included within the methods of the present invention. Analogs or derivatives are functional variants of an exendin or to GLP-1 having similar amino acid sequence and retaining, to some extent, the increase in urine flow, increase in sodium excretion and/or decrease in potassium-excretion, activities of the related exendin or GLP-1 or agonists thereto. By a “functional variant” is meant the derivative has an activity that can be substituted for one or more activities of a particular exendin or GLP-1 or an agonist thereto. Preferred functional variants retain all of the activities of a particular exendin or GLP-1 or an agonist thereto, however, the functional variant may have an activity that, when measured quantitatively, is stronger or weaker, as measured in functional assays, for example, such as those disclosed herein. Preferred functional variants have activities that are within about 1% to about 10,000% of the activity of the related exendin, GLP-1, or agonist thereto, more preferably between about 10% to about 1000%, and more preferably within about 50% to about 500%. Derivatives have at least about 50% sequence similarity, preferably about 70%, more preferably about 90%, and even more preferably about 95% sequence similarity to the related exendin or GLP-1, or agonist thereto. “Sequence similarity” refers to “homology” observed between amino acid sequences in two different polypeptides, irrespective of polypeptide origin.

The ability of the derivative to retain some activity can be measured using techniques described herein. Derivatives include modification occurring during or after translation, for example, by phosphorylation, glycosylation, crosslinking, acylation, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to an antibody molecule, membrane molecule or other ligand (see Ferguson et al., Annu. Rev. Biochem. 57:285-320, 1988).

Derivatives can be produced using standard chemical techniques and recombinant nucleic acid molecule techniques. Modifications to a specific polypeptide may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis and amino acid substitution during solid-phase synthesis, or may be accidental such as through mutations in hosts which produce the polypeptide. Polypeptides including derivatives can be obtained using standard techniques such as those described in Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (1989).

The compounds referenced above form salts with various inorganic and organic acids and bases. Such salts include salts prepared with organic and inorganic acids, for example, HCl, HBr, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, trifluoroacetic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, methanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid and camphorsulfonic acid. Salts prepared with bases include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, e.g. sodium and potassium salts, and alkali earth salts, e.g. calcium and magnesium salts. The salts may be formed by conventional means, as by reacting the free acid or base forms of the product with one or more equivalents of the appropriate base or acid in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble, or in a solvent such as water which is then removed in vacuo or by freeze-drying or by exchanging the ions of an existing salt for another ion on a suitable ion exchange resin.

The claimed compositions can also be formulated as pharmaceutically acceptable salts (e.g., acid addition salts) and/or complexes thereof. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are non-toxic salts at the concentration at which they are administered. The preparation of such salts can facilitate the pharmacological use by altering the physical-chemical characteristics of the composition without preventing the composition from exerting its physiological effect. Examples of useful alterations in physical properties include lowering the melting point to facilitate transmucosal administration and increasing the solubility to facilitate the administration of higher concentrations of the drug.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts such as those containing sulfate, hydrochloride, phosphate, sulfamate, acetate, citrate, lactate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, cyclohexylsulfamate and quinate. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be obtained from acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, cyclohexylsulfamic acid, and quinic acid. Such salts may be prepared by, for example, reacting the free acid or base forms of the product with one or more equivalents of the appropriate base or acid in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble, or in a solvent such as water which is then removed in vacuo or by freeze-drying or by exchanging the ions of an existing salt for another ion on a suitable ion exchange resin.

The compounds described above are useful in view of their pharmacological properties. In particular, the compounds of the invention possess activity as agents to increase urine flow, increase sodium excretion and decrease potassium excretion, and to alleviate conditions or diseases associated with hypertoxic volemia.

Compositions useful in the invention may conveniently be provided in the form of formulations suitable for parenteral (including intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous) or nasal or oral administration. In some cases, it will be convenient to provide an exendin or exendin agonist and another food-intake-reducing, plasma glucose-lowering or plasma lipid-lowering agent, such as amylin, an amylin agonist, a CCK, or a leptin, in a single composition or solution for administration together. In other cases, it may be more advantageous to administer the additional agent separately from said exendin or exendin agonist. A suitable administration format may best be determined by a medical practitioner for each patient individually. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and their formulation are described in standard formulation treatises, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences by E. W. Martin. See also Wang, Y. J. and Hanson, M. A. “Parenteral Formulations of Proteins and Peptides: Stability and Stabilizers,” Journal of Parenteral Science and Technology, Technical Report No. 10, Supp. 42:2S (1988).

Compounds useful in the invention can be provided as parenteral compositions for injection or infusion. They can, for example, be suspended in an inert oil, suitably a vegetable oil such as sesame, peanut, olive oil, or other acceptable carrier. Preferably, they are suspended in an aqueous carrier, for example, in an isotonic buffer solution at a pH of about 3.0 to 8.0, preferably at a pH of about 3.5 to 5.0. These compositions may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques, or may be sterile filtered. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH buffering agents. Useful buffers include for example, sodium acetate/acetic acid buffers. A form of repository or “depot” slow release preparation may be used so that therapeutically effective amounts of the preparation are delivered into the bloodstream over many hours or days following transdermal injection or delivery.

The desired isotonicity may be accomplished using sodium chloride or other pharmaceutically acceptable agents such as dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, polyols (such as mannitol and sorbitol), or other inorganic or organic solutes. Sodium chloride is preferred particularly for buffers containing sodium ions.

Carriers or excipients can also be used to facilitate administration of the compound. Examples of carriers and excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars such as lactose, glucose, or sucrose, or types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols and physiologically compatible solvents.

If desired, solutions of the above compositions may be thickened with a thickening agent such as methyl cellulose. They may be prepared in emulsified form, either water in oil or oil in water. Any of a wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifying agents may be employed including, for example, acacia powder, a non-ionic surfactant (such as a Tween), or an ionic surfactant (such as alkali polyether alcohol sulfates or sulfonates, e.g., a Triton).

Compositions useful in the invention are prepared by mixing the ingredients following generally accepted procedures. For example, the selected components may be simply mixed in a blender or other standard device to produce a concentrated mixture which may then be adjusted to the final concentration and viscosity by the addition of water or thickening agent and possibly a buffer to control pH or an additional solute to control tonicity.

For use by the physician, the compositions will be provided in dosage unit form containing an amount of an exendin or exendin agonist, for example, exendin-3, and/or exendin-4. Therapeutically effective amounts of an exendin or exendin agonist for use in increasing urine flow are those that increase urine flow at a desired rate and level. As will be recognized by those in the field, an effective amount of therapeutic agent will vary with many factors including the age and weight of the patient, the patient's physical condition and other factors.

The effective dose of the compounds will typically be in the range of 1-30 μg to about 10-20 mg, preferably about 30 μg to 10 mg and more preferably about 300 μg to 5 mg, most preferably 30 μg to about 1 mg. The exact dose to be administered is determined by the attending clinician and is dependent, for example, upon where the particular compound lies within the above quoted range. Administration should begin whenever a diuretic effect is desired, for example, at the first sign of symptoms or shortly after diagnosis of renal failure, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pulmonary edema, cirrhosis, hypertension, eclampsia, or pre-eclampsia. Administration may be by injection, preferably subcutaneous or intramuscular. Orally active compounds may be taken orally, however dosages should be increased 5-10 fold.

The optimal formulation and mode of administration of compounds of the present application to a patient depend on factors known in the art such as the particular disease or disorder, the desired effect, and the type of patient. While the compounds will typically be used to treat human subjects they may also be used to treat similar or identical diseases in other vertebrates such as other primates, farm animals such as swine, cattle and poultry, and sports animals and pets such as horses, dogs and cats.

To assist in understanding the present invention, the following Examples are included. The experiments relating to this invention should not, of course, be construed as specifically limiting the invention and such variations of the invention, now known or later developed, which would be within the purview of one skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as described herein and hereinafter claimed.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Diuretic Effects of GLP-1 or Exendin Administration

Materials: GLP-1 and exendin-4 were purchased from Bachem, Inc., Torrance, Calif. or synthesized at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as described herein. Blood pressure transducers/transmitters were obtained from Data Sciences, Inc.

In Vivo Studies in Anesthetized rats: Male, Harlan Sprague Dawley rats were housed at 23±1° C. in a 12:12 hour light:dark cycle (experiments being performed during the light cycle) and were fed and watered ad libitum (Diet LM-485, Teklad, Madison, Wis.). Animals weighing 325-375 gms were fasted for ˜20 hours prior to experimentation.

Surgical preparation: The preparation used here was as described in Young et al., (Drug Dev Res. 37:231-248, 1996), but modified by the addition of unilateral ureteral cannulation. Anesthesia was induced with 5% halothane, maintained with 2% halothane during surgery and with 0.7 to 1% thereafter. Tracheotomy and cannulation of a femoral artery, saphenous vein and a single ureter were performed. The arterial line, perfused with heparinized saline (2U/ml), was used for blood sampling and pressure measurement (Spectramed P23XL transducer, Model 13-4615-58 amplifier, Gould, Cleveland, Ohio). The venous line was used for drug administration. Total saline infusion rate was kept at 4 mL/hr. Colonic temperature was measured and controlled using a thermistor probe/controller (Model 73A, YSI, Yellow Springs, Ohio) and a heated operating table. Signals for mean arterial pressure were periodically sampled at 1 Hz with 12 bit precision (DataTranslation DT2801A) and recorded (Labtech Notebook).

Numerical Methods: Dose-response curves were fitted to 4-parameter logistic functions and EC₅₀s derived using Prism (v2.0, GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.). Observations are expressed as the percent of baseline, defined as the mean of measurements made in the 30 min prior to starting peptide or vehicle infusion. Data are expressed as mean±SEM. n=5-6.

Measurements: Samples of arterial blood (160 μl) were collected periodically and samples of urine were collected every 15 min. Plasma and urinary sodium and potassium concentrations were measured by ion-selective electrodes using Ciba/Corning 614 Na/K analyzer (Ciba/Corning, Inc., Medfield, Mass.). Unilateral urine flow was measured by weighing the 15-minute output of the cannulated ureter. Total urine flow was estimated as twice this amount.

Treatments: To obtain dose-responses, peptides were dissolved in 0.15 M NaCl and administered as 0.1 ml bolus. Administration of GLP-1 had a strong effect on increasing urine flow (ED₅₀=0.71 μg±0.26 log units). The maximum response as percent of predose urine flow was 1764±281% at 15 minutes for the 16.5 μg dose (FIGS. 3A-B). Administration of GLP-1 also increased sodium excretion (FIGS. 4A-B). However, GLP-1 significantly decreased the excretion of potassium (FIGS. 5A-B) (ED₅₀≧0.25 μg±34 log units with a maximal fall to 13.9±1.7% of predose concentrations at a dose of 1.65 μg). Administration of exendin-4 also increased urine flow (FIGS. 8A-B). The ED₅₀ was 0.12 μg±0.18 log units and the maximum response as percent of predose urine flow was 2160±470% at 15 minutes for the 21 μg dose. Administration of exendin also increased sodium excretion (FIGS. 9A-B). However, the excretion of potassium was decreased (FIGS. 10A-B). The ED₅₀ was 0.07 μg±0.26 log units with a maximal decrease to 9.6±1.4% of predose concentrations at a dose of 21 μg.

Example 2 Measurement of Arterial Blood Pressure and dP/dt in Conscious Rats by Telemetry After Administration of GLP-1 or Exendin-4

Insertion of Transducers: Male, Harlan Sprague Dawley rats were anesthetized with halothane and the abdominal aorta exposed after laparotomy. According to procedures detailed in the “Pressure Telemetry” manual from Data Sciences Inc., pressure transducer/transmitters were secured in place on the abdominal wall with the catheter tip in the abdominal aorta ˜2 mm above bifurcation. Following closure, the animals then recovered to allow at least 7 days of stable recordings. Baseline data were collected during the 7+ days after surgery.

Measurement of blood pressure and dP/dt: After obtaining a stable baseline, rats received an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of GLP-1, exendin or vehicle alone (NaCl). The transmitted signals were recorded via telemetry and stored on a personal computer. Rate of pressure change, dP/dt, was calculated by software provided by Data Sciences.

GLP-1: Animals received a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of saline or GLP-1 (100 μl), n=7-8. FIGS. 1A-B depict the increase in mean arterial pressure after GLP-1 administration. FIG. 2 depicts the increase in cardiac contractility after GLP-1 administration.

Exendin-4: Exendin-4 or saline (250 μl) was given twice daily (bid) by ip injection for five days. n=8 for saline and 5-6 for the exendin groups. FIGS. 6A-B depict the increase in mean arterial pressure after exendin-4 administration. FIG. 7 depicts the increase in cardiac contractility after exendin-4 administration.

Example 3 Cardiovascular Actions of Exendin-4 or GLP-1 Measured Using Transonic Flow Probes in Anesthetised Rats

Materials, animal husbandry and cannulation under anesthesia: Materials animal husbandry and cannulation under anesthesia were as described in Example 1. Male Sprague Dawley rats (350-450 g), anesthetised with halothane, were cannulated via the saphenous vein (for peptide injection) and femoral artery (for arterial pressure measurement).

Surgery: A transit time flow probe (2 mm, 2SB, Transonic Systems Inc., Ithaca N.Y.) was placed around the abdominal aorta, distal to renal, mesenteric and iliac artery branches.

Measurements: The flow probe was connected to a Transonic TS-206 dual channel flowmeter for measurement of abdominal aortic blood flow. Heart rate was recorded using standard ECG electrodes. Peptides or vehicle (saline) were injected intravenously in a total volume of 100 μL over 1-2 minutes. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and mean aortic blood flow, were recorded every second using Labtek Notebook data acquisition software over the experimental period. Aortic conductance (flow/MAP; mL/min/mmHg) and stroke volume (flow/HR; mL/min per beats/min=mL) were then derived.

Treatments: Exendin-4 was injected in doses of 0.021, 0.21, 2.1 and 21 μg, and GLP-1 was injected in doses of 0.0165, 0.165, 1.65 and 16.5 μg after a 20 minute control period.

GLP-1: GLP-1 at a dose of 16.5 μg increased mean arterial pressure by 22 mmHg within 5 minutes of administration. Aortic blood flow increased by 57% from 14 to 22 mL/min, heart rate by 17% from 360 to 420 beat/min, stroke volume by 38% from 37 to 51 μL, and aortic conductance by 50% from 0.12 to 0.18 mL/min/mmHg within 2 minutes of GLP-1 administration. Effects lasted for about 10 min.

Exendin-4: A similar pattern of effects was observed with a 0.21 μg dose of exendin-4 (˜30 mmHg increase in blood pressure; 60% increase in aortic blood flow; 40% increase in heart rate; 60% increase in stroke volume; 35% increase in aortic conductance), except that effects persisted for 30-60 min. These responses, where there are large changes in aortic blood flow and lesser changes in blood pressure, are consistent with GLP-1 and exendin-4 having inotropic (cardiac stimulatory) and vasodilator properties.

Example 4 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 5

[SEQ. ID. NO. 5] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH₂

The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.). In general, single-coupling cycles were used throughout the synthesis and Fast Moc (HBTU activation) chemistry was employed. Deprotection (Fmoc group removal) of the growing peptide chain was achieved using piperidine. Final deprotection of the completed peptide resin was achieved using a mixture of triethylsilane (0.2 mL), ethanedithiol (0.2 mL), anisole (0.2 mL), water (0.2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (15 mL) according to standard methods (Introduction to Cleavage Techniques, Applied Biosystems, Inc.) The peptide was precipitated in ether/water (50 mL) and centrifuged. The precipitate was reconstituted in glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. The lyophilized peptide was dissolved in water). Crude purity was about 75%.

Used in purification steps and analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN).

The solution containing peptide was applied to a preparative C-18 column and purified (10% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 40 minutes). Purity of fractions was determined isocratically using a C-18 analytical column. Pure fractions were pooled furnishing the above-identified peptide. Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 50% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3408.0; found 3408.9.

Example 5 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 6

[SEQ. ID. NO. 6] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 40% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7; found 3294.8.

Example 6 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 7

[SEQ. ID. NO. 7] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 29% to 36% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 20.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6; found 3240.

Example 7 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 8

[SEQ. ID. NO. 8] His Ala Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3251.6; found 3251.5.

Example 8 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 9

[SEQ. ID. NO. 9] His Gly Glu Gly Ala Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3207.6; found 3208.3.

Example 9 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 10

[SEQ. ID. NO. 10] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Ala Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5; found 3163.

Example 10 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 11

[SEQ. ID. NO. 11] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ala Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.2 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6; found 3222.7.

Example 11 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 12

[SEQ. ID. NO. 12] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser  Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe  Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3199.4.

Example 12 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 13

[SEQ. ID. NO. 13] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ala Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 15.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3221.6; found 3221.6.

Example 13 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 14

[SEQ. ID. NO. 14] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Ala Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 18.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5; found 3180.9.

Example 14 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 15

[SEQ. ID. NO. 15] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 36% to 46% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.6; found 3182.8.

Example 15 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 16

[SEQ. ID. NO. 16] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Ala Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3195.9.

Example 16 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 17

[SEQ. ID. NO. 17] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3179.0.

Example 17 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 18

[SEQ. ID. NO. 18] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.0.

Example 18 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 19

[SEQ. ID. NO. 19] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Ala Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 37% to 47% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 13.7 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3179.0.

Example 19 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 20

[SEQ. ID. NO. 20] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Ala Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.0 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3209.6; found 3212.8.

Example 20 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 21

[SEQ. ID. NO. 21] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Ala Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.3 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3152.5; found 3153.5.

Example 21 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 22

[SEQ. ID. NO. 22] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Ala Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 35% to 45% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 12.1 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3197.7.

Example 22 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 23

[SEQ. ID. NO. 23] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Ala Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 10.9 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3179.6; found 3180.5.

Example 23 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 24

[SEQ. ID. NO. 24] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 17.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3161.5; found 3163.0.

Example 24 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 25

[SEQ. ID. NO. 25] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Ala Lys Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 32% to 42% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 19.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3195.5; found 3199.

Example 25 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 26

[SEQ. ID. NO. 26] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Ala Asn-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 38% to 48% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 14.5 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3180.5; found 3183.7.

Example 26 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 27

[SEQ. ID. NO. 27] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser  Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe  Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Ala-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide was assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis were Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 34% to 44% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide gave product peptide having an observed retention time of 22.8 minutes. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3194.6; found 3197.6.

Example 27 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 28

[SEQ. ID. NO. 28] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4099.6.

Example 28 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 29

[SEQ. ID. NO. 29] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro Pro-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4042.5.

Example 29 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 30

[SEQ. ID. NO. 30] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH₂

The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4002.4.

Example 30 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 31

[SEQ. ID. NO. 31] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3945.4.

Example 31 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 32

[SEQ. ID. NO. 32] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3905.3.

Example 32 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 33

[SEQ. ID. NO. 33] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3848.2.

Example 33 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 34

[SEQ. ID. NO. 34] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3808.2.

Example 34 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 35

[SEQ. ID. NO. 35] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3751.1.

Example 35 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 36

[SEQ. ID. NO. 36] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3737.1.

Example 36 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 37

[SEQ. ID. NO. 37] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1.

Example 37 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 38

[SEQ. ID. NO. 38] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser- NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3680.1.

Example 38 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 39

[SEQ. ID. NO. 39] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser- NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3623.0.

Example 39 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 40

[SEQ. ID. NO. 40] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3593.0.

Example 40 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 41

[SEQ. ID. NO. 41] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3535.9.

Example 41 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 42

[SEQ. ID. NO. 42] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH 2

The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3505.9.

Example 42 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 43

[SEQ. ID. NO. 43] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3448.8.

Example 43 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 44

[SEQ. ID. NO. 44] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2

The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.7.

Example 44 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 45

[SEQ. ID. NO. 45] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH 2

The above-identified peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3351.8.

Example 45 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 46

[SEQ. ID. NO. 46] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7.

Example 46 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 47

[SEQ. ID. NO. 47] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly tPro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Double couplings are required at residues 37,36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4197.1.

Example 47 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 48

[SEQ. ID. NO. 48] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala tPro tPro tPro-NH₂

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Double couplings are required at residues 37, 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4179.1.

Example 48 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 49

[SEQ. ID. NO. 49] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala Pro Pro-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3948.3.

Example 49 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 50

[SEQ. ID. NO. 50] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly NMeala Ser Ser Gly Ala NMeala Nmeala-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3840.1.

Example 50 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 51

[SEQ. ID. NO. 51] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 4050.1.

Example 51 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 52

[SEQ. ID. NO. 52] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. A double coupling is required at residue 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3937.1.

Example 52 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 53

[SEQ. ID. NO. 53] Arg Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser Gly Ala-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3827.2.

Example 53 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 54

[SEQ. ID. NO. 54] His Gly Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3394.8.

Example 54 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 55

[SEQ. ID. NO. 55] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Naphthylala Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5.

Example 55 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 56

[SEQ. ID. NO. 56] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3280.7.

Example 56 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 57

[SEQ. ID. NO. 57] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Ser Thr Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3294.7.

Example 57 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 58

[SEQ. ID. NO. 58] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Glu Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Ala Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3250.7.

Example 58 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 59

[SEQ. ID. NO. 59] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp pentylgly Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3253.5.

Example 59 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 60

[SEQ. ID. NO. 60] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Naphthylala Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3289.5.

Example 60 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 61

[SEQ. ID. NO. 61] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe tButylgly Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3183.4.

Example 61 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 62

[SEQ. ID. NO. 62] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Leu Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Asp Phe Leu Lys Asn-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3237.6.

Example 62 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 63

[SEQ. ID. NO. 63] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Leu Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Phe Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Pro Ser Ser-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3637.9.

Example 63 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 64

[SEQ. ID. NO. 64] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3309.7.

Example 64 Preparation of Peptide having SEQ. ID. NO. 65

[SEQ. ID. NO. 65] His Gly Glu Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Ala Ser Lys Gln Met Glu Glu Glu Ala Val Arg Leu Phe Ile Glu Trp Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly hPro Ser Ser Gly Ala hPro hPro-NH 2

The above-identified amidated peptide is assembled on 4-(2′-4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-Fmoc aminomethyl phenoxy acetamide norleucine MBHA resin (Novabiochem, 0.55 mmole/g) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Example 4. Double couplings are required at residues 36 and 31. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (M): calculated 3711.1.

Example 65 Preparation of C-terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ. ID. NOS. 5-27, 34-41, 44-46 and 53-64

Peptides having the sequences of SEQ. ID. NOS. 5-27, 34-41, 44-46 and 53-64 are assembled on the so called Wang resin (p-alkoxybenzylalacohol resin (Bachem, 0.54 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M).

Example 66 Preparation of C-terminal Carboxylic Acid Peptides Corresponding to the Above C-Terminal Amide Sequences for SEQ. ID. NOS. 28-33, 42, 43, 47-52 and 65

Peptides having the sequence of SEQ. ID. NOS. 28-33, 42, 43, 47-52 and 65 are assembled on the 2-chlorotritylchloride resin (200-400 mesh), 2% DVB (Novabiochem, 0.4-1.0 mmole/g)) using Fmoc-protected amino acids (Applied Biosystems, Inc.), cleaved from the resin, deprotected and purified in a similar way to Compound 1. Used in analysis are Solvent A (0.1% TFA in water) and Solvent B (0.1% TFA in ACN). Analytical RP-HPLC (gradient 30% to 60% Solvent B in Solvent A over 30 minutes) of the lyophilized peptide is then carried out to determine the retention time of the product peptide. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry provides an experimentally determined (M). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating renal failure, hypertension, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pulmonary edema, systemic edema, or cirrhosis in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66, 67, or
 75. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66.
 3. The method of claim 1, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:67.
 4. The method of claim 1, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75.
 5. The method of claim 1, comprising peripherally administering to the subject the therapeutically effective amount of the peptide.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the peripheral administration is selected from the group consisting of buccal, nasal, pulmonary, oral, intravenous, intraocular, rectal, and transdermal.
 7. The method of claim 1, comprising subcutaneously administering to the subject the therapeutically effective amount of the peptide.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective amount is from 1 μg to 1 mg.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the therapeutically effective amount is from 30 μg to 1 mg
 10. A method for treating renal failure, hypertension, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pulmonary edema, systemic edema, or cirrhosis in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75, wherein the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:75 has at least one modification selected from the group consisting of: (a) a substitution of a neutral amino acid, arginine, or a D form of lysine for lysine at position 20 and/or 28 and/or a neutral amino acid, lysine, or a D form of arginine for arginine at position 30; (b) a substitution of an oxidation-resistant amino acid for tryptophan at position 25; (c) a substitution according to at least one of: (i) Y for V at position 10; (ii) K for S at position 12; (iii) D for E at position 15; (iv) S for G at position 16; (v) R for Q at position 17; (vi) R for A at position 18; and (vii) Q for K at position 20; (d) a substitution comprising at least one of: (i) an alternative small neutral amino acid for A at position 2; (ii) an alternative acidic amino acid or neutral amino acid for E at position 3; (iii) an alternative neutral amino acid for G at position 4; and (iv) an alternative acidic amino acid for D at position 9; and (e) substitution of an alternative neutral amino acid or the D or N-acylated or alkylated form of histidine for histidine at position
 1. 11. The method of claim 10, comprising peripherally administering to the subject the therapeutically effective amount of the peptide.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the peripheral administration is selected from the group consisting of buccal, nasal, pulmonary, oral, intravenous, intraocular, rectal, and transdermal.
 13. The method of claim 10, comprising subcutaneously administering to the subject the therapeutically effective amount of the peptide.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the therapeutically effective amount is from 1 μg to 1 mg.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the therapeutically effective amount is from 30 μg to 1 mg. 